ďThis is just the beginning. HEC comprises Heavy Machine Tools Plant, foundry and forge plant and Heavy Machine Buildings Plant. This is the first time that HECís Heavy Machine Tools Plant (HMTP) has bagged its first export order. We expect many more such orders from Bangladesh Railway in the near future,Ē said G.C. Sinha, general manager, HMTP.

The work order signed by Md. Abu Taher, director general, Bangladesh Railway, was handed over to Sinha at Rail Bhawan, Dhaka.

Under the contract, HEC will be required to supply various types of machines to the Saidpur Railway workshop in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh has just commenced a complete modernisation programme for its railways. Most of the present rail infrastructure in the neighbouring nation is more than a century old, established during the British Rule in undivided India nearly 140 years ago

Until recently, Bangladesh had been relying mostly on road transport for movement of passengers and goods, though under the changed economic scenario, it has decided to opt for a complete modernisation of its rail infrastructure, Sinha said.